Towards a natural treatment for mania: red onion husk extract modulates neuronal resilience, redox signalling, and glial activation.
International Journal of Bipolar Disorders May 9, 2024 Chukwuma Raphael Ekeanyanwu, Chidinma Lynda Ekeanyanwu, Kingsley Nnaemeka Ugochukwu 3 citations
A flavonoid-rich fraction from red onion husk extract, an agricultural waste product, shows a favorable safety profile in mice and rats and counteracts manic-like symptoms in a ketamine-induced model of mania in Wistar rats. The extract contains 17 bioactive compounds, including five-methyl-2-phenylindolizine, methadone N-oxide, and 3-phenylthiane, S-oxide. Ketamine administration increased oxidative stress markers and suppressed antioxidant enzymes in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Pre-treatment with the fraction (25 mg/kg) reduced oxidative stress, partially restored antioxidant enzyme activities, and significantly increased catalase activity, suggesting a compensatory mechanism. It also counteracted ketamine-elevated acetylcholinesterase activity, indicating neuroprotection. The findings suggest potential as a complementary therapy for manic episodes in bipolar disorder, pending further research.